Hiking Dry Lake Hills

I love everything offered up at Schultz Pass, and Dry Lake Hills is no exception. This peaceful hike is relaxing, gorgeous, one of my favorites. 

A few miles in you reach a rock pile. I climbed up and got to see miles ahead as well as the beautiful town of Flagstaff.

 The hike is mostly level so hikers of all types can easily get through it. Depending on the time of year the "dry lakes" won't be so dry. But this isn't water I would recommend hopping into.

There are a lot of trail up here and a lot of ways to get in/out. The way we went let us out to beautiful views of the San Francisco Peaks.

How can you not go with views like this?

The hike is about 4 miles roundtrip. There is one significant hill but after that it is pretty level. You'll want water, sunscreen and protection for your safety.

Getting there:
Hop onto Highway 180 toward Snowbowl. Turn right onto Schultz Pass Road. The road will turn into narrow dirt road. Be courteous of other drivers and watch out for deer and bikers. Continue on the dirt road for 4.1 miles. Turn right in the dirt parking lot where there is signage for Sunset Trail. The hike begins behind the big gate. Check out the map they have at the parking lot to see where you are going. There are so many trails back there and you don't want to hop on the wrong one!

Bearizona is EVERYTHING!!

Nestled in Williams, AZ is perhaps my new favorite place on this Earth. I mean it. I couldn't believe how much I fell in love with this place. Everything about it is special, organized and thoughtful for both the animals and the public visiting them.

The park is strategically laid out and in a word it is: beautiful. There are flowers everywhere and the park is so committed to recycling that much of their decor comes from recycled vehicles. You have to see it to believe it but it is pretty special.

Welcome to bear country.

Recommendation #1:
Get there early. We were the 2nd car in the park. The animals were so much more lively at this time.

We started off by going through the driving portion of the park. Wow, I couldn't believe the access we got to these animals. Deer came right up to the window and a bear was literally 2 feet from us. You get to see elk, burros, goats, wolves, buffalo, bears and more!

During our self- guided tour we got to hear wolves howling, and we grew nervous (yet excited) as my car was surrounded by black bears. We observed bears scratching their backs on trees, climbing, running and playing together.

Coming up to my window to say "Howdy!"

Recommendation #2:
Sit and wait. We would park and sit with the animals to observe them. So many cars would pass us and they'd miss everything! If you want to enjoy the animals you have to be patient.

Recommendation #3:
Summer months made the terrain absolutely perfect. Especially in July/August, Northern Arizona is overcome with wild sunflowers which grew around the park and in some of the animal areas.

Next we hopped on the guided bus tour so we could learn more about the park. We sat in the back and were told stories about each animal and how they arrived to the park (many were saved from illegal poaching/hunts).

Beautiful buffalo in a field of flowers and a classic Northern Arizona summer sky.

But nothing beat the moments we spent with the buffalo. One buffalo in particular was a big fan of the bus and knew the driver had carrots for her. She would literally chase us down to get more food from the bus. It was amazing to watch this huge animal glide across the meadow toward us. To experience it is one of a kind and indescribable, but it was a moment I will never forget.

After our driving tour we ate lunch and waited to feed the otters!

Food:
We brought a cooler with sandwich goodies in it, drinks and cupcakes. The park had no problem with us rolling our ice chest to the picnic area to chow down. We also were greeted by roaming, friendly peacocks while we ate.

Be sure to know the daily schedule so you don't miss the otter feeding. I thought we would be watching one of the staff feed the otters...no, no....this place is so amazing that they let YOU feed the otter! Everyone gets a piece of fish to drop down to two adorable, energetic otters.

Next we enjoyed walking around the park to the other animals not in the driving portions. We got to watch bear cubs climb trees and play with each other, hang out in a reptile house and go into the petting zoo.

You get to pet goats and sheep for as long as you'd like. Just watch out for the wild children.

What I love most about this place is the feeling that the animals are happy. Too many zoos offer tiny habitats which hardly recreate their natural ideas of home. Bearizona's habitats are large, and as an animal lover I fully support their efforts to help these animals and educate the public.

I got to visit here with two amazing women. Sarah and Jennise made the excursion even more exciting!

Getting there (from Flagstaff):
Hop on I-40 toward Los Angeles for about 25 miles. Follow the signs and exit to 1500 Historic Route 66, Williams, AZ 86046.

Also

• It costs $20 per person
• Open 9am-4pm
• The money you spend on entry is taken off if you decide to buy an annual pass. 
• The merchandise store is amazing! Check it out.

Mount Elden at Sunset

Northern Arizona sunsets are legendary. You just need to find the best spots to see how magnificent they truly are.

San Francisco Peaks view from Mount Elden.

Atop Mount Elden you will love taking in our beautiful Northern Arizona/Flagstaff. You'll fall in love with the trees, the sounds of deer and birds and the view of our city.

Taking the pup to the top.

Once we reached the top the bull dogs were able to roam.

Safety Note:
This is animal country. Drive safe, be cautious and know you are the guest in nature's home. Especially when driving back after dark, take your time as deer are everywhere. Value their lives and make smart decisions in regards to your downhill speed.

Getting there:
Take Mount Elden Lookout Trail to the top! You'll access this by taking Highway 180 and turning right onto Schultz Pass. There's a sign that points straight to Mount Elden Lookout Road. Follow this and you're set.

You can hike this trail and/or drive it.

We arrived early enough to still be able to see town and the mountain for awhile before the sun fully set.

Late For The Train: Go There

Nestled in the busy streets of downtown Flagstaff is a small coffee nook with pizzazz. Connected to Vino Loco and Hops on Birch, Late For The Train is my new favorite local Flagstaff spot. With green plants scaling around the room and maps of Northern Arizona you feel one with Flagstaff culture. This place caters to every generation, every social identity and is the perfect way to start or end your day.

Since finding this place I have not entered a Starbucks. I love it that much!

They have fresh scones and muffins made locally daily. Additionally, they offer delicious breakfast burritos so really you cannot go wrong.

My drink of choice is a medium Iced Mexican Mocha. It is sweet, cinnamon-y, fresh and just perfect. The baristas make every drink with a smile and you can tell they enjoy their work.

You have to go here. It is homey, yummy and lets you support local business!

Kendrick Mountain: Rugged, Tough, Exhausting and You Need To Do It

This one kicked my ass.

As beautiful as it was, there were some rough times.

But it was so worth it!

The view from the top of Kendrick Mountain. You can see the San Francisco Peaks in Flagstaff ahead.

So here's the deal. This hike is tough. Get ready to earn those muscular thighs. But, wow the feeling I had after finishing this hike (After the 5 hour nap I took) was pure excitement. I was a) proud of finishing it and b) so happy to experience all this hike has to offer.

I did this hike when I was just starting to get into hiking (in 2012) so I plan on doing it again to see if it is as tough as I remember.

Hikers can expect to run into deer, elk, cows, birds and potentially black bears on this hike (be sure to look up in the trees!).  You will see beautiful trees and from the top you can see the Grand Canyon.

Switchbacks became my best friend.

Hike details:

• 5 to 6 hours roundtrip
• roughly 9 miles roundtrip
• The trail spits out onto a helicopter landing pad. We laid down on it to recuperate for the hike back down.
• You will reach a cabin about 4.25 miles up. This is NOT the end of the trail. Be sure to keep going all the way to the helicopter pad.
• You gain almost 3,000 feet in elevation.

Standing on the helicopter pad at the very top.

What to bring:

• Water. A lot of it. We both finished a full Camelbak.
• Food- a 5-6 hour hike is going to wear you out. We brought granola bars and some fruit. 
• Toilet paper (I mean, you never know).
• Bear spray
• Cell phone
• Sunglasses/hat
• Sunscreen/chapstick
• Remember to pack out whatever you pack in.

Directions:
From Flagstaff take highway 180 north to FR 193, about 10 miles north of the turnoff to Snowbowl. Turn left onto FR 193 and continue to FR 171 and turn right. Go 2 miles to FR 190 and turn right. The parking area is 1 mile ahead.

The hike is shaded in most areas as you scale the switchbacks.